Thailand eyes FTAs with three nations in second half of 2018

The Thai Ministry of Commerce is keen to finalise free trade agreements with three more countries in the second half of 2018 (Source: thainews.prd.go.th)

Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The Thai Ministry of Commerce is keen to finalise free trade
agreements with three more countries in the second half of 2018.

Auramon Supthaweethum, Director-General of the Department of Trade
Negotiations, has revealed that the Ministry of Commerce is looking into the
possibility of signing free trade agreements (FTAs) with Pakistan, Turkey, and
Bangladesh, each of which has great potential to become trade and investment
partners with Thailand.

Tentatively, the agreements will be signed in the second half of this year,
according to Auramon, adding that the first round of negotiations which will
focus on the terms of the agreement will take place in July.

The director-general also made known that Thailand is drafting another
agreement with Sri Lanka which will be centered on a strategic partnership.

As for the FTA between ASEAN and Hong Kong, she said the agreement will be
signed in August this year and will take effect on July 1, 2019.

Auramon went on to say that her department has a plan to educate Thai
businesses and entrepreneurs in regard to international treaties and agreements
so as to enable them to maximise their gains and benefits.-VNA